Posted on Sep 11
Saints Send Players Home as Hurricane Francine Approaches, Coaches Stay at Facility
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Saints players sent home as Hurricane Francine approaches
Why it matters: The New Orleans Saints have taken precautions and sent their players home ahead of Hurricane Francine's landfall. This move ensures the safety of the players and aligns with the city officials' directives to stay off the roads during the storm.
What's new: The Saints coaches, however, will remain at the facility overnight, making necessary arrangements to continue practice once the storm passes.
Yes, but: While the Saints are taking precautions, the impending hurricane raises concerns about the impact it may have on the team's preparation for their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys.
What to watch: The Saints' ability to adjust their practice schedule and ensure that players have sufficient time to prepare for the game despite the disruption caused by the hurricane.
What's next: The team will closely monitor the situation and make decisions accordingly based on the storm's progression and its impact on the region.
In a statement, linebacker Demario Davis expressed his prayers for the safety of those in the storm's path, showing solidarity with the community facing the potential consequences of Hurricane Francine.
This is not the first time the Saints have dealt with hurricanes affecting their operations. Last year, they followed a similar plan during Hurricane Zeta, where coaches worked under generator power while players were sent home early.
However, Hurricane Ida in 2021 forced the Saints to evacuate entirely, temporarily relocating their operations to Texas for both the preseason and the beginning of the regular season.
Coach Dennis Allen addressed the current situation, stating that they would find areas within the facility to rest and sleep during the storm. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the team.
To provide perspective, quarterback Derek Carr shared his experience studying at home with his children, acknowledging that this was their first encounter with such a storm.
The bottom line: The Saints' decision to send players home and keep coaches at the facility reflects their commitment to safety and flexibility in adapting to unforeseen circumstances. While the hurricane may disrupt normal practice routines, the team remains focused on preparing for their upcoming game against the Cowboys.